First day at work

Verena 

I didn't sleep a wink last night. How was I supposed to sleep when the sporadic beating of my chest refused to wane, each thump reminding me of the kisses he planted on my body, the way he looked into my eyes like I really meant something and when he drawled out the word ‘worship’, I couldn't breathe. 

The idea of it made me toss and turn in my bed. As much as the experience of it was foreign to me, I craved it. 

I could still feel that tingling sensation on my skin and—

Enough. 

It was enough already. 

I shook my head—like it would shrug off the memories from last night— and decided to focus on getting ready for work. I took a large bite of the toast, before taking a sip of the hot chocolate coffee and I hated that I had ruined the beautiful swan latte art. 

This had to be the best coffee that I had had in a while. I tried to make my own breakfast because that had to be the least I could do, considering Daxton’s generosity. However, the chefs ushered me out, claiming that they were in charge of the kitchen. 

I set the cup of coffee back to its glassware, walking towards the shopping bags that Daxton brought in last night. I didn't expect Josh to convey such details back to him but thankfully he did and I didn't have to choose from my collection of expensive and flamboyant clothes. 

Wearing such to the office would attract a lot of attention to me and that was the last thing I wanted.

I dipped my hand into the shopping bag, pulling out a crisp white shirt with a smile on my face. But the moment my eyes caught the tag attached to the collar, the smile on my face faded.

It was from an expensive brand.

I clicked my tongue. “I grumbled about not wanting expensive clothes, yet…” I trailed, cutting off the tag. “At least, it looks simple and wouldn't call anyone’s attention to me,” I said, slipping the shirt on. 

In the next few minutes, I was done and now in the car with Daxton who leaned by his side, explaining the ropes of his business to me and my role. While he spoke, swiping through his tab, I couldn't help but steal glances at him. The fact that a powerful man like him said such beautiful words to me last night still had my head spinning. 

Daxton’s voice jerked me back to the present. “Are you listening?” The expression on his face had shifted into something far more serious. 

We were in work mode and I drowned in the thoughts of him. 

I nodded. 

“Good. As my personal assistant, your job is to manage my calendars, schedules, and appointments. You are also to offer operational support to the hotel managers…” He highlighted something on the tab, casting a fleeting glance at me. 

“But, I don't need to overwhelm you with the details. The executive assistant would train you and make things easier for you and if you need help with anything, you can always come to me. Understood?” His eyes held mine for answers. 

I smiled, bobbing my head. “Understood”

He returned my smile, leaned into the car’s seat, and went back to scrolling through his tablet. I was about to stare out the window when his fingers rested on mine, sending a tingling sensation as I turned to him. 

“So, do you like the clothes? Want more?”

“Loved it, thank you for the clothes, Daxton”

A half-smile tilted the corner of his mouth. “I am glad that you do. Remember, all you have to do is stay by my side, Verena”

We arrived at the V.R. five-star hotel but I noticed that when Daxton and I set foot into the lobby area where hotel guests sat, the staff who were huddled in a small group, dispersed immediately, lowering their heads before him. 

“Good morning, Mr Daxton”

As we walked towards the elevator, he hardly returned their greetings, and there was just something about his presence that felt different. At that moment, he wasn't the sweet Daxton I knew, his eyes were cold and unreadable. 

I even felt a shiver run down my spine. 

We arrived at the fifth floor dedicated to executive offices and we barely stepped foot out of the elevator when a man walked towards us, eyes filled with confusion and fear. “Mr Daxton, I received a dismissal letter this morning…” His lips wobbled. 

“I should have fired you earlier…” He stopped, turning to look at the man who looked like he was on the verge of tears. “If I had known that you were now incompetent, I would never have processed your transfer here, Shawn”

His stride didn't slow as I scurried behind him and the obviously distraught man, ears itching to know what happened. 

The man pleaded. “Please don't do this to me, I have been loyal to this hospitality firm for years and what happened was a mistake—”

Daxton stopped in his tracks, cutting in. “Mistake?” His voice was cold. 

“You allowed drugs to slip into the hotel despite knowing it is illegal and as if that isn't enough, a celebrity overdosed from it and now, my hotel’s name is in the media for all the bad reasons and you call it a mistake!” He raised his voice. 

The man lowered his head, tears dropping from his eyes. “I am sorry,”

“If you are sorry, then you should leave! I have fired everyone involved in the situation and you are not an exception!”

He walked away while I followed after him. Suddenly he veered left, opening the door of the glass panel separating offices as he poked his head inside. “Where is Mandy?”

“Good morning, Mr Daxton—” Voices chorused. 

He cut in. “There is nothing good about the morning, get back to your work. Mandy?”

A short stout woman rushed out of a room, yelling. “Yes sir!”

She adjusted her dress that clung to her figure, her curls packed into a neat bun with two loose curls falling down her face. When she smiled, her cheekbones became more prominent and those chubby cheeks were really cute. 

I liked her already. She should be in her late 30s or early 40s. 

“Good morning, Mr Daxton” 

He offered her a small smile, turning to look at me. “This is Verena Carson, the assistant I told you about this morning”

Her eyes brightened and she stretched her hand for a handshake. I took it. “I am Mandy, nice to meet you, Verena”

“Me too,”

Daxton nodded. “Since you two have met, I guess I will leave. Join me in the office in the next hour Verena” He said, walking away but not without shooting me a wink that went straight into my heart. 

Mandy cleared her throat, dragging my gaze back to her. “So, where do we get started?”

“Anywhere” I replied shyly. 

“As an assistant, I believe you know the basics?”

I nodded. 

“Nice, Daxton isn't an easy man to please but when you do things at the right time, you will have no issues with him” She glanced at her phone’s screen before fixing her eyes back on me. “Come with me—”

I was about to follow her when she turned to me but there was something in her eyes that confused me as an awkward laughter spiraled from her mouth and her hands moved to the back of her neck. “Don't get me wrong—” 

“I don't know if this is out of place but it is for your own good so don't take it the wrong way, your clothes…”

Confusion nudged at me. What was wrong with my clothes? It was just a formal wear of a plain white shirt and high-waisted dark flare pants. Was it stained? 

Her eyes narrowed on me. “It is inappropriate, it is showing all your curves—” What! “Can you make a full spin?”

With brows crinkling in confusion, I turned because how was this inappropriate? 

She gasped and clapped her hand. “The way the pants bring out the curves of your ass is a little too much. You should wear something looser the next time”

Was this a joke? Her curves were out as well! Maybe it was a welcome joke because this couldn't be real. 

But the serious expression on her face as she continued took me aback. “You wouldn't want to give Mr. Daxton the wrong impression as he is uncomfortable with assistants who dress like this”

A laugh almost ripped from my mouth. What was she on about? Daxton got me these clothes!